Department:

Libraries and Historical Resources

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Are you passionate about preserving local history and heritage? Do you want to have an active role in managing the collections of a large-scale community archive? Then the Sarasota County History Center is looking for YOU! The History Center is a branch of the Sarasota County library system with an extensive archive, a reference library, an impressive collection of local artifacts and a variety of impactful historic preservation programs.

We are looking for an Archivist to join our growing collections management team at a period of exciting change. We are currently building a brand-new 30,000-square-foot, state of the art facility to house our collection and increase public engagement through exhibits, programming and expanded access to our expert staff and resources.

The Archivist will help coordinate all aspects of managing the collection, including accessioning and deaccessioning, physical processing, arrangement and description, cataloging, ensuring environmental safety and security, and much more. The Archivist will also assist with the coordination and fabrication of a robust exhibit and display schedule for the new History Center and library system, as well as participate in a wide variety of public facing programs and tours. If you love the idea of preserving historical materials and connecting the public with the past, this is the job for you!

About the Position

In this role, you will...

Collection Development and Management

• Participating in all aspects of managing the History Center’s collections, including the accessioning, deaccessioning, cataloging, storage, and arrangement and description of artifacts, archival records, books, maps, films, sound recordings, and other research materials.

• Evaluating prospective donations and existing collections to ensure alignment with the History Center’s collection development policy and other departmental policies.

• Monitoring the security and environmental suitability of the collection’s storage facilities.

• Utilizing the History Center and departmental databases and tools to maintain accurate records relating to collections, circulation, donors, and intellectual property rights.

• Staying abreast of current trends in the management of archives and collections of historical artifacts, including appropriate exhibition practices.

• Participating in special projects related to collections management as assigned.

• Collecting, maintaining, and analyzing statistics, reports, and other metrics on various aspects of operations and services.

Communication, Programming, and Outreach

• Coordinating participation of volunteers, interns, or other staff members in special projects, including project development, training, quality control, and scheduling.

• Planning and directing library programming for adults, young adults, and children, in coordination with other professionals at the History Center and throughout the library system.

• Describing and promoting the History Center’s collections, databases, and services through social media, blog posts, online research guides, and other platforms.

• Coordinating the development of new exhibits, including design, research, artifact selection, layout, fabrication, and marketing.

• Coordinating exhibit preparation and installation.

• Monitoring and rotating exhibits and their components as necessary.

• Providing technical advice and expertise to other county departments and members of the community upon request.

Customer Service

• Representing Sarasota County to customers, volunteers, staff, and donors.

• Implementing standards of service that ensure the prompt and efficient resolution of inquiries and requests from internal and external customers, delivered with the utmost courtesy and respect.

• Assisting with routine public-facing operations at the History Center, including reference services, meeting space management, and retrieving materials for customers.

• Contributing to public tours, presentations, and workshops at the History Center and around the county relating to the collection and best practices for preserving historical resources.

About the Schedule:

Work Hours:

• Full-Time, 40 hours per week.

• Must be available to work: Sunday - Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

• Work schedules may vary due to split shifts, rotations, on-call, emergencies, etc.

• As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee, without exception, will have a duty assignment and be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.

About You

To be considered for the position, you must have the following:

• Master's degree in Library Science from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association, OR  a Bachelor’s degree and enrolled in an MLS/MLIS program with the ability to obtain a MLS/MLIS within 12 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One year of experience in a library, archive, or museum environment.

Subject to Passing Substance Screening:  This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening.  An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of five (5) years.

Fingerprint Screening:  This position is subject to a mandatory fingerprint-based background check per applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. The screening will be used to verify criminal history and other relevant information as permitted by law.  An applicant who fails to pass a required screening may be disqualified from employment.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay: $58,947.20

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).

If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents. You will need to present the following items on your first day:

1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

• If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)  

2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)  

Benefits:

• Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more! Choose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!
• For more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net for additional information.
• Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations. 
• Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service. (That adds up to a possible 30 days off in your 1st year!)​​

A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team.

We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different.

Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally. 

A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353.

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA Compliance).

Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.